Kimmel’s suspension set off a wave of criticism from leaders in both parties who were concerned about political censorship. Nexstar Media Group is currently pursuing a billion-dollar merger with Tegna that would require FCC approval. Democratic leaders in Washington and hundreds of artists and celebrities joined in condemning Kimmel’s suspension. FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat in the agency’s leadership, welcomed Kimmel’s return to air and praised Americans who criticized the suspension. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, encouraged Nexstar and Sinclair to keep their pledge to preempt Kimmel when his show returns.